Best known for their line
of highly rated compact cameras with built-in zooms, Pentax has also
continued to develop their line of SLR cameras and accessories. Their
two most recent lenses--introduced in conjunction with the MZ-S, a semiprofessional
SLR--offer an indication as to the direction this manufacturer is taking.
Entirely different in many respects, the compact FA 24-90mm f/3.5-4.5
AL [IF] zoom and the FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited lens do have some similarities.
Both autofocus models incorporate aspherical elements, advanced mechanical
components plus close focusing and full compatibility with manual focus
cameras.

The "aspherical" elements
provide more consistent edge to edge sharpness at wide apertures, counter
comatic flare, and reduce barrel distortion, the bowing outward of lines
near the edge of the frame. Several manufacturers use new methods for
creating affordable aspherical elements, such as bonding resin to the
glass to form a non-spherical surface layer. Such "hybrid" aspherics
are used in the zoom lens while the Limited model incorporates more
expensive ground and polished aspherical elements.

Thanks to internal focusing, autofocus response with the
24-90mm zoom was excellent: quick, reliable, and highly
accurate with the MZ-S camera. Manual focus works well,
too, although the focus ring is narrow and the mechanism
does not have as much torque as a conventional lens. (At
90mm; f/11; AF500FTZ flash; single focus detection sensor
and AF lock; Tiffen polarizer; Kodak Elite Chrome 100.)

I find Editor at Large Bob
Shell's description of aspherical elements to be the most clear and concise
of any that I have read: "They bend the light to different degrees depending
on where the light passes through the lens. This is achieved by varying
the curvature which changes across the lens surface from the optical axis
out to the edge." With such elements, the designers can reduce the number
of lenses required for high sharpness at the edges of a frame, even at
wide apertures. Thus, overall weight and the propensity for flare (typically
worse with more air-to-glass surfaces) can also be minimized.

Zoom Lens Characteristics
As more and more manufacturers release zooms that start at 24mm, this
type may eventually become the "normal" or "standard" lens. More versatile
than the more typical 28-80mm models, the FA 24-90mm f/3.5-4.5 AL [IF]
zoom allows for true wide angle effects with "exaggerated" spatial perspective--an
optical illusion causing foreground objects to become more prominent.
A 24mm proves to be more useful than a 28mm in cramped quarters or when
you cannot back up any farther to include an entire scene or a large group
of people. More expensive than a 28-80mm zoom, this one offers a superior
optical formula that helps to justify the price.

Incorporating two aspherical
elements plus a low dispersion glass element, the combination helps to
assure high sharpness across the entire frame at both ends of the zoom.
At short focal lengths, it offers the benefits mentioned earlier; at longer
focal lengths, it controls chromatic aberration for higher edge sharpness
and superior color rendition, especially at wide apertures. This zoom
also includes other noteworthy characteristics.

Focusing Operation
Internal focusing offers fast autofocus operation. The rotation from the
minimum focus distance to infinity is less than 45, a feature that also
helps in this regard. The (rubberized) focusing ring does rotate in AF
operation but it's narrow and located at the very front of the barrel,
so my hand did not impede its movement. The internal barrel protrudes
by 2" when zoomed to the 90mm focal length but it does not protrude when
focusing thanks to the IF mechanism. The front element does not rotate;
this makes using a polarizer or graduated neutral density filter a pleasure,
because their effects do not shift while focusing.

The AF sound level (high pitched)
is comparable to that of many lenses. Manual focusing is precise, with
adequate friction or torque in the mechanism. The rotary zoom mechanism
is smooth as well.

Thanks to extensive use of
impact-resistant polycarbonate material, this is a lightweight lens but
its stainless steel mount offers high durability. Nicely finished in satin
black, it includes an aperture ring with detents at half stops at the
wider apertures up to f/11. A distance scale is provided but there is
no depth of field scale, a common omission with rotary action zooms.

Anti-flare strategies include
SMCP multi-coating and a removable notched (corner-cut) hood designed
to shade the front element at all focal lengths. The hood has a removable
section that allows for convenient adjustment of a polarizer without removing
the hood or taking the camera from eye level to fiddle with the filter.
The Pentax designers should be congratulated for this innovative concept,
common on many of their newer zooms.

Even at the wide aperture required (for fast shutter speeds)
on this heavily overcast day while using a warming filter,
the 31mm lens produced exceptional images. Clarity, resolution
of fine detail, sharpness, contrast, and color rendition
are all first rate. (Pentax MZ-S; at f/4; Tiffen 812 filter;
Fujichrome Velvia.)

Zoom Lens Evaluation
Considering the technical specifics, I expected my slides to be sharp
and I was not disappointed when I examined them under an 8x loupe. The
images demonstrate high clarity, contrast, and excellent color rendition
without any color cast. Flare is very well controlled; although the hood
was most effective at the shorter focal lengths, I only needed to change
my shooting position in very strong sidelighting. Light falloff at the
edges is minimal, noticeable only when a clear sky fills the frame and
only at the widest apertures.

In images of a rectangular
building, I noted slight barrel distortion (bowing outward of straight
lines near the edge of the frame) at the shortest focal lengths. This
might create some concern in formal architectural photography, but that's
not the intended use for lenses of this type. At all focal lengths and
apertures from f/5.6 to f/16, the zoom produced highly satisfying slides,
suitable for an excellent 8x12" print or a full-page magazine reproduction.
Peak optical performance--adequate for a fine 11x14" print--was obtained
in the 28-70mm range, at f/8 to f/11. I would happily continue using this
zoom for my professional stock photography, because many of my slides
would satisfy demanding photo buyers.

In the mid range of apertures, the 31mm lens produced slides
that appear razor sharp, as if the image were etched into
the emulsion. Many of my slides would make for technically
excellent 16x20" prints or double-page spreads in a magazine.
(At f/11; Tiffen polarizer; Fujichrome Provia 100F.)

The Limited Edition Lens
At the other end of the price scale, the FA 31mm f/1.8 AL lens is slightly
larger and boasts a handsome satin titanium finish, a perfect match for
the ZX-series cameras with similar coloring. This model joins the 43mm
f/1.9 and 77mm f/1.8 lenses in the Pentax premium-grade line, denoted
by the "Limited" suffix. Theoretically, these are limited production models,
but Pentax will manufacture enough of them to meet the demand.

Although it is an autofocus
model, this lens is reminiscent of those made three decades ago. Naturally,
it incorporates the latest computer-designed high grade optics, SMCP multi-coating,
and a floating mechanism that controls fluctuating aberrations in close
focusing. The latter is important, because this wide angle lens will focus
as close as 12". The focus ring does rotate during AF operation, but in
manual focus operation it's very well damped so it feels just like a conventional
lens. The front element does rotate a bit when focusing, but the effect
of a polarizer is not changed much. The 31mm focal length is not common
today, but this is no common lens. It is expensive, as one could guess
from the impeccable metal construction and milled focus and f/stop rings,
finely engraved numerals (including depth of field scale), the built-in
metal hood and aluminum lens cap that fits over the hood. Intended for
the discriminating photographer, the FA 31mm f/1.9 offers high prestige
value, excellent construction, and an elegant retro-look that's reminiscent
of some classic lenses.

Aside from its high visual
and tactile appeal, this lens produces optical performance that's commensurate
with the price: absolutely superb at all f/stops from f/2.8 to f/16. The
wider apertures are very useful for problem solving in low-light situations
where flash and tripod are impractical. Even in extreme close focusing,
excellent results are provided at all f/stops, particularly at f/8 and
f/11. Stop down when possible, use professional photographic techniques
and you can expect image quality suitable for beautiful 16x20" prints.

Highly corrected for aberrations and linear distortion,
the 31mm Limited lens would be suitable for photojournalists
and other professionals. However, this model should appeal
to any serious hobbyist who appreciates the finest mechanical
and optical quality. (At f/11; Fujichrome Provia 100F.)

Although the 24-90mm zoom is
more versatile, this 31mm lens offers two significant advantages: the
much wider maximum aperture allows the use of slower (high resolution)
film in handheld photography and reduces the need for flash or a tripod
in low-light situations. It is also more effectively corrected for linear
distortion. More importantly, the 31mm lens produces images with higher
sharpness at the edges of the frame, most noticeable in the f/4 to f/5.6
range; even at f/1.8 to f/2.8, the optical performance is impressive:
suitable for a very good 8x12" print.

Final Evaluation
Once again, the engineers at the Asahi Optical Co. Ltd. (the Pentax parent
company) have impressed me with their ability to make lenses of very high
mechanical and optical quality. Granted, their products are rarely among
the lowest in price. Still, they always offer fine value that will be
appreciated by the discriminating photographer during many years of reliable
performance. If you own a Pentax camera--or even another brand with K-mount--you'll
certainly want to consider the 24-90mm zoom as your standard lens. The
31mm Limited model would appeal to those who can afford the very best
and want a measure of exclusivity as well.